Forget about a six-year timetable to reform and save Social Security before its 2032 insolvency. The clock to direct the reform is closer to one year for Republicans or three years for Democrats. Sustainable reform is of greatest consequence for both the program and America’s future prosperity. 

Politics makes the timetable real: True reform is impossible during an election year, leaving just 2027, 2029, and maybe 2031 for reform. Bipartisan support is necessary to pass reform, but to direct it, a party must hold the White House and, ideally, Congress. Should Republicans hold Congress this fall, 2027 could be their last shot at directing reform. If Democrats win the White House in 2028, their last chance to direct reform may be 2029. All bets are off in 2031 when pressure builds for a deficit-financed emergency patch.